CR also warns to watch for oil leaks, failed thermostats and overheating engines. The car’s security system is a drain on the battery even when the car is parked, so removing the battery or using a battery maintainer is a must to avoid a dead battery when storing the car in the winter months.
  2002 Ford Thunderbird; photos by Grant Yoxon. Click image to enlarge |
Out on the road, the T-Bird’s V8 returned decent mileage though the Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings varied year-to-year. For 2002, NRCan reported a rating of 14.4 l/100 km city and 9.9 l/100 km highway. Those figures improved in 2003 (13.4 city/9.1 highway), got worse again in 2004 (14 city/9.4 highway) and improved again for 2005 (13.3 city/9.0 highway).
The Thunderbird fared well in U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash testing. It earned four and five stars respectively for driver and passenger protection in front impact tests, and four stars for side impact protection. Driver, passenger and side airbags were standard, as well as ABS and traction control.
Probably owing to the car’s relative rarity, the Thunderbird boasts decent resale values which, naturally, makes make the car pricier on the used market. Canadian Black Book’s values range from $17,275 for a 2002 to $23,225 for a 2005 model. For some context, those values are on not far off what a Mercedes-Benz CLK 430/500 will fetch, a car whose MSRP was 50 per cent more than the Ford’s. Ford’s other “retro” vehicle, the Mustang, is much cheaper to buy; a 2005 GT convertible with automatic is valued at $16,300, and a much-newer 2008 model is worth $26,775 fully loaded.
None of this is to suggest that the Thunderbird isn’t worthy of consideration. The fact that it’s a Thunderbird that recalls the iconic versions of decades past gives it a certain appeal, but the Mustang is a cool car too, and is cheaper, more fun to drive and will likely be less expensive to maintain, if for no other reason than it’s more common.
The reliability of the thunderbird’s transmission and ignition systems seem particularly dependent on regular maintenance so look for a car that comes with complete maintenance records, and get it checked by a mechanic – particularly one familiar with the signs of a worn automatic transmission – before buying.
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Pricing
Black Book Pricing (avg. retail) xxx:
Online resources
Recalls
2002: On certain vehicles the driver’s side seat belt contacted the seat recliner during a 35 mph NCAP full-frontal barrier impact test. The edge of the recliner mechanism caused a partial cut in the lap portion of the webbing. Correction: dealer will install an insert behind the driver side seat lower trim panel.Transport Canada Recall Number 2004237; Units affected: 1549 2004: On certain vehicles, the power seat track may contain fewer welds than specified between the track recliner bracket and the lower support bracket. This condition may cause a squeak/rattle condition to develop, and possibly result in a loose seat. In the rare circumstance that a vehicle having a seat with insufficient multiple welds is in a collision, the seat may not perform as intended potentially increasing the risk of an injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the upper support assembly on all power seat track assemblies.
Crash test results
Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy. For information on recalls, see Transport Canada’s web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com. |
